The classical Thai performance art known as khon seems to have originated as a dramatic entertainment for the royal court. It features stylized dance movements, music performed on traditional Thai instruments, and masked dancers who mime to a narrated script that is taken from the Ramakien, the Thai version of the classic Hindu epic Ramayana. I had previously been frustrated in trying to find a way to photograph this visually rich art form, originally performed out-of-doors, as the few indoor venues where it is performed today generally do not allow photography; so we were fortunate to happen upon an outdoor performance at the 11th/12th-century Khmer sanctuary of Prasat Hin Phimai, near Nakhon Ratchasima in southwest Isaan, where I'd gone to photograph the temple itself. As with most such occasions today, this was an abridged version of a drama originally performed over a period of several hours.

Khon

Originally, all the actors wore masks, a tradition that changed in the 19th century. Since then, only the actors portraying demons and monkeys are masked.These are the masks of the giants with whom Rama must do battle.

An actor tweaks a mask prior to the performance.

The papier-maché masks are made to cover the entire head of the wearer. Each has its own unique distinguishing traits, including color, to identify the character it represents.These masks represent some of the monkey warriors.

Relaxing before the performance. This was an all-male cast, as were the original khon performances, although women play the female roles in many of today's productions.

The actor who will play Phra Lak, or Lakshmana, Rama's brother, inspecting his headdress

Before performing, the actors respectfully wai their teachers.

Kumbhakarna, brother of Ravana, standing at right

Ravana (Tosakan in the Thai version), ruler of the island of Lanka and archenemy of Rama

Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna

Sahasdecha, an ally of the evil Ravana, is (I think!) the giant in white, seen here with Ravana's younger brother Kumbhakarna.

Kumbhakarna

Sahasadecha

Sahasadecha holds his powerful magic mace. When pointed at an enemy, one end of the mace kills; the other end allows the holder to recover from wounding.

In the Ramakien, Sahasadecha, king of Pangtan, was said to have a thousand faces and many arms as well.

Note the 'horses' that pull Sahasadecha's chariot.

Ultimately, Sahasadecha was tricked into giving up his magic mace by Hanuman, the white monkey warrior and ally of Rama, whose own magical powers allowed him to enlarge himself to giant size and to kill Sahasadecha.